MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As Memorial Day weekend opens the summer travel season, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is launching its annual “101 Days of Summer Safety” campaign.
The statewide effort is focused on reducing deaths and injuries on Alabama roads, waterways and beaches through Labor Day. This year’s campaign is titled “Land of the Free. Home of Safe Summers.” ALEA said the campaign carries a patriotic theme as the United States marks 250 years since 1776. The agency said the message is meant to remind residents and visitors that summer freedom comes with personal responsibility. That responsibility includes safe decisions while driving, boating and spending time along the Gulf Coast. ALEA Troopers and personnel are expected to increase patrols and enforcement efforts throughout the summer travel season. The campaign will include Highway Patrol Troopers, Marine Patrol Troopers and ALEA’s Rescue Swimmer Detail. The Rescue Swimmer Detail will again be activated along Alabama beaches. The unit assists with emergency response and water rescues during peak travel periods. “Summer in Alabama is about making memories with family and friends, whether that’s on the road, on the water or at the beach,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “As we celebrate America’s 250th year, we are reminding everyone that safety is a shared responsibility. Last year, we saw encouraging progress, including a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and zero boating fatalities during the summer season. This year, our goal remains the same, zero lives lost, but we need the public’s help to make that happen.” According to ALEA, the agency recorded a 50% decrease in traffic fatalities during the 2025 Memorial Day holiday travel period compared to the previous year. ALEA also reported zero boating fatalities statewide during that same holiday period. The summer safety campaign follows ALEA’s participation in the Second Annual Southern States for Safe Boating Press Conference. The event brought Alabama together with marine law enforcement agencies from five other Gulf states. The agencies recognized National Safe Boating Week and promoted water safety across the region. Throughout the summer, ALEA said the “101 Days of Summer Safety” campaign will include coordinated safety messaging, enforcement efforts, educational outreach and public awareness events. The agency is urging drivers, boaters and beachgoers to make responsible decisions throughout the holiday weekend and the full summer travel season. ALEA reminds motorists to buckle up on every trip. Drivers should avoid distracted driving, follow posted speed limits, never drive impaired and move over for emergency and law enforcement vehicles. The agency also reminds drivers to avoid aggressive driving during heavy traffic. Children should be properly secured in age-appropriate car seats. On the water, ALEA urges boaters to wear properly fitted life jackets and avoid boating under the influence. Boaters should check weather conditions before leaving shore, file a float plan and keep proper safety equipment onboard. ALEA also reminds boaters to watch for swimmers and other vessels and to complete a boating safety course. “Whether you’re traveling Alabama’s highways, enjoying our lakes or spending time on the Gulf Coast, one decision can save a life,” Taylor said. “This summer, let’s honor our nation’s legacy by looking out for one another and making sure everyone makes it home safely.” For additional summer safety information and updates, follow ALEA on social media at @ALEAProtects or visit www.alea.gov.
